bike ride from Hanoi to Sapa

Hi Guys,

I am thinking of hiring a bike (probably a Misk) to go on a tour with my girlfriend from Hanoi to Sapa, passing by Son LA- Dien Bien Phu-Muong Lai (Lau Chao).

I was wondering if any of you could advise me on the following inquiries:

1. What is the status of the roads for that journey? Has any of you ever made it?

2. I am no expert rider and I have heard that it is desirable to join a group. Any suggestion? What I do not definitely want is one of those arranged tours for 100 bucks a day...

3. I have heard of certain agencies in which a rider-guide is followed by you so that he shows you the way. Does it really exist?

I want to be on my own but would not mind paying my guide 30-40 dollars a day for that job.

Thanks in advance to everyone!

bike ride from Hanoi to Sapa

Thanks for your response.

Please email me at braisgon99@yahoo.com and send me your conditions as well as brief description of routes 6 and 12 in accordance with your experience.

bike ride from Hanoi to Sapa

There are many choice for you with biking tour, you can choose one of them on Activetravelvietnam.com. This is the good time for biking, you know

Well, there might be many options but my budget is limited as I exlained before. US$ 1,215 per person goes far beyond my economy. Any other suggestion?

Well, if your budget is limited then make sure you have good travel insurance with medical coverage that does not exclude motorcycle accidents, though as you will be riding illegally (without a valid Vietnamese licence as they do not accept International Drivers Licences) that is an out for the insurance company. Can you afford medical evacuation in the event of an accident?

From the US State Department%26#39;s website:

';TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Vietnam is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic in Vietnam is chaotic. Traffic accidents occur frequently and the most common victims are motorbike riders and pedestrians. At least 30 people die each day from transportation-related injuries and many more are injured, often with traumatic head injuries. Traffic accident injuries are the leading cause of death, severe injury, and emergency evacuation of foreigners in Vietnam. Traffic accidents, including those involving a pedestrian and a motorized vehicle, are the single greatest health and safety risk U.S. citizens will face in Vietnam...

...Road conditions are poor nationwide. Numerous tragic accidents have occurred due to poor road conditions that resulted in landslides, and American travelers have lost their lives in this way. Travelers should exercise extra caution in the countryside, as road conditions are particularly poor in rural areas.

Driving at night is especially dangerous and drivers should exercise extreme caution. Roads are poorly lit, and there are few road signs. Buses and trucks often travel at high speed with bright lights that are rarely dimmed. Some motor vehicles may not use lights at all, vehicles of all types often stop in the road without any illumination, and livestock are likely to be encountered...

...Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or causing an accident resulting in injury or death can include fines, confiscation of driving permits or imprisonment. U.S. citizens involved in traffic accidents have been barred from leaving Vietnam before paying compensation (often determined arbitrarily) for property damage or injuries.

Emergency roadside help is theoretically available nationwide by dialing 113 for police, 114 for fire brigade and 115 for an ambulance. Efficiency of these services is well below U.S. standards, however, and locating a public telephone is often difficult or impossible. Trauma care is not widely available...

...International driving permits and U.S. drivers%26#39; licenses are not valid in Vietnam. Foreigners renting vehicles risk prosecution and/or imprisonment for driving without a Vietnamese license endorsed for the appropriate vehicle. Americans who wish to drive in Vietnam should contact any office of the Provincial Public Transportation Service of the Vietnamese Department of Communications and Transport to obtain a Vietnamese driver%26#39;s license. The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City cannot assist U.S. citizens in obtaining Vietnamese driver%26#39;s permits or notarize U.S. drivers%26#39; licenses for use in Vietnam.';

A link to the relevant page:

鈥tate.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1060.html

Thanks.

I am perfectly aware of the statistics but we cannot live under fear forever. As to the insurance, I have always travelled well covered and will surely hire a would coverage for Vietnam.

What I need is local guide that guides me through my route, that%26#39;s all.

Trudyana,

Are you crazy?Do you know how far this is and if you make it to Lo cai then you have the mountain climb from hell.RECONSIDER this is a trip that if you do make it with all the (really carefull) drivers you will encounter you should be put into the Guiness Book Of Really Silly People.Get on a bus or train or anything(not a bike)If you do it take a camera and record your journey,then sell it to Discovery channel.sorry this is my humble opinion.

Coupe

Coupdeville,

Thanks for your kind message of support. I am sure this forum aims at having people like you.

The itinerary I have described has been made by THOUSANDS of riders. It goes like this:

Hanoi-Mai chau: 162Km.

Mai Chau- Son La: 170km.

Son La- Dien Bien Phu: 154Km.

Dien Bien Phu- Muong Lay: 104 km

Muon Lay-Sapa: 188 Km

Back from Sapa to Hanoi in train with your bike well loaded in one of the wagons.

Do you think going in an overloaded bus is safer?

Trudyana,

I wish you nothing but the best,I do know people who have travelled this way and do admire any form of adventure travel.

If this trip is well planned or just a whim I hope you enjoy every moment of your journey,I hope you post on completion and tell all your adventures to the forum.

Keep posting you never know what feed back you will get.

Regards Coupe

you will make it there, dangerous but do able. Is this a personal achievement challenge? - if not get a bus...